Administrative Judge

Administrative Judge Katarina Cook is a proud resident of Summit County and product of the Akron Public Schools. She graduated from Firestone High School in 1982 and went on to earn dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in both Psychology and History. Judge Cook earned her Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law in 1990 and was admitted to the Ohio Bar that same year. Read More…

Judge

Presiding Judge for Common Pleas

Judge Kani Harvey Hightower was elected as a Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge on November 8, 2022. She currently also serves as the Common Pleas Court Presiding Judge for Summit County. Read More…

ABOUT THE COURT

The Summit County Domestic Relations Court serves residents of Summit County, Ohio.  The court’s jurisdiction includes:

  • Cases involving divorce, dissolution, and annulment;
  • Parentage cases (never married parents), third-party legal custody, and visitation for parents, grandparents, and third-parties;
  • Child support;
  • Civil protection and dating violence orders.

Read more about the court.

Civil Protection Orders

What is a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (“CPO”)?

A CPO is issued by a domestic relations court to protect a victim of domestic violence. A CPO is intended to prevent further domestic violence. It orders someone who has been abusive to do or not do certain things in the future.

To find out more about CPOs, how to serve (notify) the respondent, and how to prepare click “Find Out More”

Contact Us

The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Summit County Domestic Relations Court
205 S. High Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

A guide to parking can be found here. Or a printable PDF Here.

 

Phone: (330) 643-2365

Legal minds working to widen path for Summit County Black judgeships

Last month for Black History Month, Judge Kani H. Hightower and Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer sponsored, "Black History in our Courts" at the Summit County Courthouse recognized the legacy of Black judges who have shaped justice in our community, including our own Judge...

Start your Career at Domestic Relations Court

Read Job Description Below OR download PDF/Word Document above.Part-Time Child Life Specialist (General – Post A)Part-Time Child Life Specialist (Infant- Post B)Read Job Description Below (A&B) OR download PDF/Word Document above.[dflip...

Children: In Their Best Interest – Art Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paul M. Henry Community Outreach Director phenry@drcourt.org 330-643-7845 ArtsNow Awards $10,000 ArtsForward Grant to Transform Summit County Domestic Relations Court Through Student Art Akron, Ohio (July 15, 2025) – ArtsNow has awarded...

Summit County Invites Community Partners to Bring Family Law Clinics Directly to Local Neighborhoods

Court Celebrates it’s fourth year running Family Law Clinic; Continues to build access to Justice Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Akron, Ohio — Following a highly successful 2025 year of community-based Family Law Clinics, the Summit County Domestic Relations Court is...

News: Clinic provides support for students, caregivers

Clinic provides support for students, caregivers SUMMIT COUNTY — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court Jan. 30 held the Legal Aid for Legal Custody Clinic at the Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education Office, bringing legal services directly into the...

Community and Summit County Domestic Relations Court Join Forces with  “Operation Valentine’s Day” to Send Valentines to Deployed Troops.

Administrative Judge Katarina Cook (L) and her Bailiff and Co-Founder of Operation Valentine's Day Claire McIntire show case the 2026 Valentine's Day cards haul! Akron,Ohio-Friday, January 16,2026- Hon. Katarina Cook Administrative Judge of the Summit County Domestic...

Child and Family Leadership Exchange

This morning, Administrative Judge Katarina Cook and Magistrate Lynn Seifert participated in the Child and Family Leadership Exchange Program (CFLE) Orientation. CFLE focuses on understanding the challenges families face beyond community systems. Judge Cook, a former...

With Liberty and Access for All: Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Reenvision of how a justice system can look.

Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Partner to Expand Access for All at Upcoming Legal Clinic Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - Akron, OH — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with Summit DD and the Inclusioneers to bring...

Get Geared up for the Law or Legend Scavenger Hunt!

   The project is one of 57 community-based projects chosen as part of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s third and final round of grants Akron, Ohio – In the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary, Summit County Domestic Relations Court announced today it...